Taking Withered Hands: A Conversation with a Famous Scottish Bard
June 12, 2023
After the release of the long-awaited (and now critically acclaimed) album how to lovewe spent some time chatting withered hands – plume name Edinburgh location Singer-songwriter Dan WilsonI am from London.
His first new song in nine years will feature nine songs, and the record will be released via: reveal the record. Here Wizard Hand continues to live up to her reputation as one of Scotland’s most talented songwriters. He has amassed a worldwide following and is frequently broadcast on tastemaker stations such as: BBC 6 music and great radio.
Produced, recorded and mixed by renowned producers Tony Doogan (Mogwai, David Byrne, teenage fan club, sad twilight, Bell & Sebastian, Delgados) and Castle of Doom Studios of Glasgowthe new album includes guest participation king creosote Mercury Prize-nominated British songwriter Kathryn Williams.
“How to Love” is the first Withered Hand EP in nine years. Does this hiatus represent a hiatus from music, or simply a hiatus from making music under this name? And what have you been doing between then and now?
Well, LP is the first time in 9 years. The hiatus from releasing music didn’t seem like a hiatus at times, as I was still busy doing shows, juggling work, living and raising a family, but I certainly did finish the album. I think there was a long hiatus before I let it go. Quite a few new songs.
Can you tell us a little bit about the musical path that got you where you are today?
The musical path that got me to where I am today was never a stable one. While trying to make a living as an artist from my late teens, I played guitar with my friends and played in bands, but it wasn’t until my 30s that I started writing and performing songs. is. After years of addiction and deteriorating mental health, my journey with music has saved my life, my children and my family. I never set out to do what I am doing now, but I am grateful that I was able to do it.
You are based in Edinburgh, but you are originally from London. Why did you move, how do you feel the difference between the two capitals, and did your surroundings influence your songwriting in any way?
I moved to Edinburgh from London in 1996 and have lived in Scotland, mainly Edinburgh, ever since, but moved here primarily for love. And I am happy that that love continues to this day. Capitals vary greatly. Edinburgh may be a village compared to sprawling London, but it’s a beautiful place with castles and palaces, extinct volcanoes, seaside, and haunted. i love it there London has always been a good place for me to play, but I love living in Scotland. If I hadn’t moved up north and followed my heart, I don’t think I would be writing songs now.
Your songwriting speaks very openly about the challenges you face. How important was music as a power of catharsis and healing?
Most importantly, most of the blessings and connections I have with my loved ones in my life today come through music in one way or another. Music is a great way to connect and nurture communities, especially for those who find it difficult, and songwriting can be a great way to tell truths you don’t want to speak.
Musically, many of your songs are in tune with echoes of early pop’s golden age. Are there any writers you look up to who can help you with your writing?
I think he’s a regular culprit… John Lennon, Ray Davies, Norman Blake, Evan Giving, Joni Mitchell, Jason Molina, bob dylan, Neil Young, Lucinda Williams, bob marley
You’ve featured some great collaborators on your albums in the past. What did King Creosote and Kathryn Williams bring to this recording?
They are both great friends. They brought so much love and sweet harmony.
Given the long gap between this album and its predecessor, how difficult was it to get press and radio support for your new album How to Love? reveal the record. Were there any new promotional challenges that didn’t exist 10 years ago? And what have been the highlights for you as Withered Hand since you released your new album?
It’s nice to finally be able to work with a new label, Tom at Reveal has provided a great deal of support in running the album campaign so far. PR has worked hard to get the information out there, but in today’s internet, everything quickly becomes obsolete with a voracious appetite for new content and copy-paste journalism. It was difficult to consistently play on radio outside of radio’s existing supporters. how to love There was some very positive press, but no such press yet. signboard and rolling stone, NME again Mojo I write about it unlike my previous albums.
The world is different than it was 10 years ago. The most important thing is to do a good job and accept whether the world will prevail with the times. I’ve been away from releasing LPs for years and it really depends on who else is releasing records around the same time.
After all, my music’s best defenders have always been and will always be my fans. I think that’s why I’m still here. The highlight is how they made a fuss when they unexpectedly rolled out a prerelease. band camp On Valentine’s Day, people were finally able to order the record and stream the entire album ahead of time. they are the best
Finally, beyond this album, what are your plans for the future, both musically and personally?
Personally, I would love to spend another day here! I am just grateful to be alive and to be able to experience all that life and music has to offer me. Musically, I am currently recording an album of songs I co-wrote with Kathryn Williams. I hope it will be released next year. I still have the desire to play live, so I’ve been busy booking shows for my solo and bands. later this year as well.
And thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Good luck in everything.
